AT DAKOTA SUPPLY GROUP (DSG), HEADQUARTERED in Fargo, N.D., decisions about each training in - vestment start with an analysis of the branch’s and the particular associate’s immediate and long- term needs. These decisions invariably lead to greater effi- ciency and higher profitability. “The true value of training is seen in the impact it has on an associate’s performance in their role,” said Mike Place, director of training. Chris Hanson, operations manager at DSG’s Aberdeen, N.D., branch, and Dwayne Egli, operations manager at the Bismarck, N.D., branch, have both completed Level 100 of NAED’s CEP-Management program and the Warehouse Operations Management Bootcamp. In fact, Egli attended the very first Branch Management Bootcamp, before NAED divided the content into two separate programs. “At that time, branch manager and warehouse topics were combined into one bootcamp. We learned a lot about financials and personnel, with some content on warehouse operations too, including how equipment purchases can affect the business,” Egli recalled. All of this knowledge came into play a few years back, explained Egli, who also fills an inside sales role: “Activity in the oil fields increased, and we were covering a larger area. We looked at that growth and how to service thoseBUILDING A WORLD-CLASSWAREHOUSE TEAMNAED programs have a major impact on the handling of warehouse operations at DSG. by Jan Niehaus